I will never allow antisemitism to go unchallenged, deputy PM tells Parliament Chanukah reception

Two early Chanukah events were held in Westminster on Wednesday evening.

One, hosted by the Board of Deputies and House of Commons Speaker took place in the grand setting of the Speaker’s riverside house, located on the parliamentary estate.

“I hope you feel support here in Speaker’s House”, Hoyle told those present – including MPs, communal figures and journalists – offering a variety of kosher canapés and an abundance of doughnuts.

“Chanukah serves as a reminder that the Jewish people should stand strong in the face of adversity, just as your ancestors did. Chanukah is also a mark of the Jewish people's continued dedication to the history that makes you who you are”, he said.

On display was an unlit menorah that had been commissioned by former speaker Sir Michael Martin and consecrated by former Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks in 2003.

The speaker wished those present “a joyous, early celebration”, but also used the occasion to say: “We will not give up on return of the hostages”. 

He added: “Let us not lose sight, and I know you won't, reminding others that we must ensure that we keep their hope alive.”

Board of Deputies President Phil Rosenberg thanked Hoyle for “welcoming us into your home”.

He said the Board would continue to “fight antisemitism, stand up for peace and security in Israel and Middle East, defend our religious freedoms, make our community more united, more inclusive and more outward looking, and celebrate our faith, heritage and culture as British Jews”.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis also thanked Speaker Hoyle for his “gracious hospitality” and highlighted the plight of the hostages held by terrorist group Hamas for the second Chanukah in a row.

“As things stand, there is every likelihood that in approximately 100 homes in Israel – despite the lights of the menorah – there will be darkness. And that is because family members are living in the darkness of tunnels in Gaza. We pray for peace for every single person in the region. We pray for an end to the existential threat posed against the state of Israel, and we pray for the swift and safe return of every one of the hostages.”

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said she was “looking for light and hope after an extremely fraught and difficult year of pain and anger”.

She added: “I want to reassure you that the government stands with you in your fight against antisemitism.

“What we've seen in Amsterdam and in Melbourne in recent weeks reminds us of the need for vigilance and above all, for action,” Rayner continued. She added the government would “do everything in our power to protect you and make sure that those who commit antisemitic hate crimes feel the full force of the law.

“It is a priority for this government, and it is a personal priority for me, and I will never allow antisemitism to go unchallenged.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper who attacked the “disgraceful rise in antisemitism during here at home”.

She added: “The government will continue to support the CST, the police and all of you to stamp out the stains of antisemitism wherever it is found. And make no mistake, we will always expect those who push that poison on our streets or online to face the full force of the laws on that you have our word.”

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp also called on all those in politics to “make sure those hostages are unconditionally released”.

The Conservative MP for Croydon South also shared an anecdote that Jewish friends of his from America had asked him whether it was safe for the family to wear a Magen David or kippah on the streets of London.

“I felt deeply ashamed that my friend had to ask that question of this country,” he said.

Guests also heard from Liberal Democrat Equalities spokesperson Christine Jardine who said her party would also push to “get the hostages home” and praised the Jewish community’s contribution to politics, including “our Liberal leader Herbert Samuel, who made such a massive contribution to our society.”

Israel’s ambassador Tzipi Hotovely and Progressive Judaism Co-Leader Rabbi Charley Baginsky also spoke.

Earlier in the evening, Lord Mann, the government’s independent adviser on antisemitism, hosted another reception in Westminster Hall, the oldest part of the Palace of Westminster.

The Chief Rabbi, Philp, Jardine and Baginsky also spoke at that reception, as did Labour’s security Minister Dan Jarvis. Board President Phil Rosenberg handed out doughnuts to those present, and a klezmer band played Maoz Tzur.

Lord Mann said that the occasion was the second time in the 800-year history of Westminster Hall that a Chanukah reception had been hosted there, and he confirmed it would now be “an annual event in Parliament”.